pre-partum depression

Here's some news that will come as no surprise to many moms...A recent study suggests that depression is just as common *during* pregnancy as post-partum. Maybe more attention on pregnancy and depression will help anxious and/or depressed pregnant women realize that they are definitely not alone... that huge numbers of moms have a hard time with this period of tremendous physio/psychological upheaval.

It's great that this issue is being recognized, now let's hope there is more research into causes and solutions... especially since a new study shows that some antidepressants (SRIs taken in late pregnancy) have associated risks for babies.

comments

My wife is in a very depressed mood, she is 12 weeks into her pregnancy. She does not want to talk or even be in the same room. I beleive she may be suffering from pre partum depression, but I am not sure what to do.

I am 26 weeks pregnant and just started suffering from pre partum depression. I never heard of it and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I have had a beautiful, problem free pregnancy and have a lot of supprt from my husband and friends. There is no reason for me to be sad and so it must be hormonal. I am also suffering from minor anxiety as well. I cry all the time and don't want to ever be alone. Nothing makes me happy and I don't enjoy the things I was just a week ago. I hope this ends quickly and I don't need to be medicated. Nobody I know has ever talked about this happening to them.

comment by Angela Prisco
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October 23, 2006 7:41 PM

im nineteen, and about to be a mom for the first time. im almost eight and a half months along, and my pregnancy has been a rather easy one. but recently, it seems that all i do is stay in bed, with the exception of showering or doctor appointments. i dont sleep much anymore, maybe two hours a night, no matter how long i lay there, and as hard as i try, i have absolutly zero appetite. the only time i eat is when i force myself to. i want to go out and do things and be active, but i'm always crying, and never want people, even my parents to see me. everyone accredits this to the father taking off on me just after i told him, and the fact that now his new girlfriend is just over two months along, but she and i get along really well. i asked my doctor about the chance of all of these symptoms being prepartum depression, but she just laughed and said that i was only stressed. if thats the case, am i going crazy? im not sure what to do anymore, and im tired of living like this..

comment by sarah
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January 13, 2007 9:08 PM

my name is nadia, I'm eighteen, and I'm carrying identicals. This is my first pregnancy, and lately I've been very depressed. I thought it was situational or that its from older moms I've tried to reach out to putting me down assuming I got knocked up instead of being married and just starting out. I googled pre-partum on a whim, knowing about post-partum depression, because my mother had it years ago when she had my little sister. I've often worried I'd get it too. Its nice to know, depsite that fact that it sucks, that there IS a pre-partum depression syndrome, rather that just being really hormonal or having coldfeet. Mine started out at twenty weeks [I'm 23 weeks now] and I realized I didn't like the idea of other people gawking at my twins or even knowing I had kids. I'm assuming now this is normal.

comment by nadia
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February 24, 2007 11:05 PM

Hi I am Marlene and I am seventeen years old and I am about two months pregnant. I just learned the definition of pre partum depression also called perinatal depression. Well I just got this feeling of anxiety today rooting from my disadvantage economically and the little help I'll get from now on and issues coming from relationships. I am happy that I know what I have-or could have- perinatal depression and to speak to my gynecologist ASAP on how feel. I hope everyone woman who had the courage to post their comments get help and ultimately feel full of joy of what is to come in their lives after getting the attention they need.

comment by Marlene
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March 23, 2007 10:40 PM

I was wondering if prepartum depression existed...so I decided to research it, and I see others are experiencing it as well. I'm sorry for the women who are going through it, but at the same time I'm kinda happy to see that I am not the only one going through. I feel so guilty that I am depressed, I'm so blessed to be pregnant. I agree with the other young lady who said it must be hormonal, I am 20 weeks, and I to have support for my husband as well as my friends. I can't wait until this phase passes.

comment by jc
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March 19, 2008 6:32 PM

i am 17 weeks pregnant with my third child. I just recently began feeling really depressed and crying all the time. I have a great husband but have even been feeling that maybe he dosent love me enough. I also feel like my family does not understand. Im very scared that this will continue throughout my pregnancy or even after. I just want someone to make me feel better. I know that sounds extremly needy but maybe i should be the one taken care of for once. Does anyone else feel this way? If so please let me know.
Brandy in Tn

comment by brandy
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March 22, 2008 5:38 PM

Hello, I'm 18 months pregnant and I think I'm suffering from post-partum depression, though I believe that some of it may stem from my husband's drinking problem. The depression also seems related to my job, which I was doing for several months happily without depression before pregnancy. The depression isn't constant, it really seems to be mood swings, but there are days at work when a few difficult situations or clients really get me down and I just don't feel like I can make it through the day. I am at a loss as to how to deal with this other than continuing my usual activities of socializing and exercise. I don't feel like I have the energy to start something new in my life at this point.

comment by Maria
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April 25, 2008 6:30 PM

.....I'm a first time dad..I'm 42 years old.... My wife, who is 30, is 21 weeks along with my baby and I may add she has 3 other kids from a previous marriage.... she is bitterly depressed today, yesterday she wasn't.. the day before she was.... and so on... the swings are mild to severe. She says she loves me. but acts like I'm a leper most of the time... she stays in bed mostly, only to get up to do her biz, and all. i love her , but I want to understand more this pre birth depression ... for the most part, I feel i need to hide sharp objects real soon , if this dont end.....

comment by wylie
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July 16, 2008 3:43 PM

My name is erin and I'm 22 years old and very happily married with my first child. I have had sort of a rocky pregnancy but nothing with the baby just myself. Now the time is coming, 12 days to be exact that I'm going to need a c-section and my gallbladder removed. I've become so extremely depressed lately, I don't know what to do. Everyone says it stems from, my husband just being sent home from iraq, my gallbladder removal, the fact that I have to have a c-section and all that combined into a stress ball. When in fact, I'm okay with all of those feelings. I don't know what's wrong, but some days I don't want to do this anymore, I don't want people to look at me, they all feel bad for me, I know this because they say it. I have support from family and friends and my husband can't wait to be a daddy. I want to be happy but I'm not even sure whats going to make me happy. Does anyone have any suggestions, I know 12 days isn't a long time, but 12 days seems like an eternity to me and I just would like my husband to see a smile on my face once before I have the baby. Not to mention does anyone know of any perinatal depression leading to postpartum depression...or does it go away. I've been really depressed since about 30 weeks, it just keeps getting worse.

comment by Erin
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July 17, 2008 2:58 AM

This is my second pregnancy and I am starting to panic thinking about how the baby will come out. Last time I had natural childbirth - all ended well but I still remember the pain and I still feel humiliated about having my kness by my ears panting and grunting and people staring at my privates waiting for the baby to come out. My husband thinks it was a breeze - I am angry and frustrated as I went to the doctor asking to be put under gen aneth. and have a c section so that I don't have to be mentally present for the birth - but he says it's too risky...this'll be the last

comment by Kim
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August 13, 2008 8:38 PM

I have three children and am pregnant with #4. I have never had post-partum depression but I think I have a major case of pre-partum depression right now, and I am still very early in my pregnancy. I am ready to quit everything... my successful writing job, my 2 year old blog, answering emails, volunteer opportunities. I am feeling so overwhelmed by it all. I honestly know I am tired, but in addition to the normal tireds, I just want to get in bed and stay in bed all day long. Of course, I have three sweet kiddos who need me!
It is good to know that this is a common thing. I am beginning to think I am some kind of freak! :)

i suffered from pre partum BAD. today is my 2nd day of feeling good. still scard it hasnt left, but i think it has. it lasted 5 weeks. i had severe anxiety, (for no reason) or my mind would make things up and play games with me. i had 2 great pregnancies before and i never heard of this or knew it could happen. i had a hard time being a mom to my kids, i was so depressed. what a nightmare. it is a scary thing. of what i hear it is usualy in the 2nd trimester and lasts about 4-5 weeks. i went on medicine for 1 day, i couldnt handle the side effects and it made me more crazier. my sister is my therapist right now. she's been helping me through this whole thing. another thing, mental illness runs in my family. i thought i was losing my mind. now, i see i wasnt thinking rational. my husband said he had it anxiety(obviously it wasnt his hormones) but 4 important things to help stay on track.
1- stay close to your family
2-keep busy
3- talk to someone
4-and pray.
its a scary thing. i always loved being pregnant. i didnt realize there could be so much else going on.

comment by amy
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November 9, 2008 4:05 PM

suffered from pre partum BAD. today is my 2nd day of feeling good. still scard it hasnt left, but i think it has. it lasted 5 weeks. i had severe anxiety, (for no reason) or my mind would make things up and play games with me. i had 2 great pregnancies before and i never heard of this or knew it could happen. i had a hard time being a mom to my kids, i was so depressed. what a nightmare. it is a scary thing. of what i hear it is usualy in the 2nd trimester and lasts about 4-5 weeks. i went on medicine for 1 day, i couldnt handle the side effects and it made me more crazier. my sister is my therapist right now. she's been helping me through this whole thing. another thing, mental illness runs in my family. i thought i was losing my mind. now, i see i wasnt thinking rational. my husband said he had it anxiety(obviously it wasnt his hormones) but 4 important things to help stay on track.
1- stay close to your family
2-keep busy
3- talk to someone
4-and pray.
its a scary thing. i always loved being pregnant. i didnt realize there could be so much else going on.

comment by amy
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November 9, 2008 4:08 PM

Someone PLEASE help... i just found out that I am pregnant about a week ago. I have one other son who is 3. Over the last few days I have had some TERRIBLE thoughts, and feel extremely guilty. The circumstances for this pregnancy are actually much better then the first, but I can't shake this feeling of being MAD at this unborn child, and that i don't want it. I don't understand where this came from, and its making me insane. I told my husband about these feelings and now he thinks i'm nuts. I just don't know what to do. I feel terrible. Has anybody ever experienced this before? Any suggestions?

comment by Mallory
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November 25, 2008 4:00 PM

It's pretty common, actually, to have negative feelings about a second pregnancy. There can be a lot of anxiety about how this new baby will affect your current family situation, and especially your relationship with your older child. You are not nuts. You are having a normal emotional response to a life change that involves some loss as well as a lot of gain. Feeling mad or sad about what this baby will change for you is part of the process of adjusting. If you do find that the bad feelings continue substantially when your baby is born, you may want to talk to a professional about it. But often the anxiety (and the anger) is worse in the anticipation phase than when the baby arrives.

comment by rebecca
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November 29, 2008 9:53 PM

I am about 6-8 weeks along, i think. My OB appointment is 12-24. This is baby #3 for me, my other 2 are from a previous relationship. Im scared and overwelmed, my lovely boyfreind is leaving for Iraq 3 days after our first Doctor apt. He will be gone 8 months. I am pretty sure that is where most my depression is coming from. But i just need a fix for it. I feel awfull, i just want to stay in bed and sleep but i cant. Im a very busy 22 yr old working a 45+ hr a wk job, as well as attending school 20 hr a wk. I know staying busy is good to keep my mind off things. But its not helping. i cant focus at work or school, and when i think about all my responsibilities that are all on me i just cry uncontrollably. i feel like i just want to give up and quite everything. But ive worked so hard for it so far that i know i would regret it after. i take alot out on my boyfreind accuse him of things and fault him for my feeling this way. Which is not fair to him, I love him with all my heart and i feel bad for putting him through this so close to his leave date. i just want to be the loving happy focused hard working pregnant woman i was the first two times. i need help.

comment by Anonymous
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December 15, 2008 3:21 PM

I am about 8 weeks along with my first pregnancy. I hadn t even decided if I was going to marry my boyfriend, much less have a baby together. Luckily we are in a good relationship however, it is all just so overhelming! I cry all the time which is actually better than when i'm in a state of panic.
I'm 31 years old and have always wanted a baby. This pregnancy was a surprise but, I always thought that when I got pregnant that I would be the poster child for pregnant women everywhere, you know like start eating organically and do yoga five times a week or whatever!
It helps to know that I am not alone. I pray for myself and for others going through the same thing.

comment by Kasey
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December 20, 2008 1:35 PM

i am about 2 weeks pregnant an i am not so sure that i can handle this! its scary and i dont think that i will be the greatest mother that i can be. my fiance is very supportive if me an he does so much for me i just dont think that this is right.... im really scared. i need some advice. better yet i need help!

comment by Denea
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January 8, 2009 11:56 PM

amy and everyone else... I seem to be going to the same hard timesw right now. I am currently 8 weeks pregnant and suffering from EXTREMELY BAD anxiety/depression... prepartum-whatever you want to call it... It came on about a week after i found out my husband and i were pregnant and i cant seem to get it to go away! My thoughts consume my day and ability to do and enjoy activities. My fears are of the change once the baby come... how will it effect my husband and i (we have an amazing marriage right now and i dont want that to change) how will it effect my family and i... where will i get my freedom, i'm not ready... i dont want this.. I just dont know what to do... I am going to see a counselor on monday in hopes to put an end to my insanity... My family has been EXTREMELY supportive... My husband is supportive but doesnt understand why i am having these feelings... PLEASE let me know if you have ever experienced this... how the baby effected your marriage- EVERYTHING!! THANKS, and i'm so sorry for trhose of you who feel the same way... Its truely HORRIBLE!

comment by kendra
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January 9, 2009 9:59 AM

I am about 7 weeks pregnant with my 2nd child. I really wanted this child even though I had Severe Post-Partum Depression with my first child. I had been on anti-Depressents for 3.5 years and my anxiety, depression, and obsessive scary thoughts had been very well controlled. I got off my meds to try to have another and I had been doing just fine. Note: I have been off my meds about 2.5 months and was feeling great. We found out a few weeks ago we were having another! I was soo excited after trying for a few months. Now all the sudden my symptoms have come back!!!! What is this? I cry all the time, I am sad, I feel guilty, anxiety ridden, I feel insane.... I feel like I am going down that long path of what I went through before. Worried I made a mistake by getting pregnant, worried I might now hurt both my children even though I know I never would, the thoughts with this crap makes you think that way! Has anyone had this soooo early on? My first pregnancy was great I never anticipated this prior to having the child! I just knew I would get on meds as soon as I had it.... I need help! My shrink cant get me in for 3 weeks and I know I cant go my whole pregnancy feeling like this.

comment by Tamara
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January 29, 2009 10:17 AM

MY LITTLE GIRL IS 5YRS OLD NOW AND WHEN I WAS FOUND OUT I WAS PREGNANT I CRIED ALL THE WAY HOME I WAS ABOUT FOUR WEEKS THEN .MY WHOLE FIRST TRIMESTER I CRIED MYSELF TO SLEEP DIDN'T WANT TO GO ANYWHERE OR DO ANYTHING I THOUGTH SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH ME FOR FEELING BAD ABOUT BEING PREGNANT NOW I KNOW WHY I WAS SOOOOOOOO DEPRESSED AND THAT OTHER WOMEN WERE GOING THREW THE SAME THE.

comment by AMY
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February 26, 2009 11:26 AM

i believe i am definitely suffering from pre partum depression. i am 24 weeks pregnant, this is my first. i am not married, the father left me for another woman, i have NO support from him during this pregnancy, my family is having a hard time with it because they are "old school" and believe me & the father should be getting married. pregnancy is suppose to be one of the happiest things in a womans life & i am nothing but miserable & it's only getting worse. i went thru a period of time that i was happy about this & accepting it but now i can't help but feeling like i just don't want this, i don't want to be pregnant & i wish i wasn't going thru anything i'm going thru! i don't know what to do!!

comment by Amy
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April 30, 2009 6:27 PM

hi im 23 weeks pregnat with twins this is my first pregnatcy and i ve been feeling what u guys have been feeling i sufferd from depression before i was pregnat and im juts scared that im more likey to get depression after the pregnatcy